Braves have mixed results in challenges vs. Bucs

By Mark Bowman / MLB.com

PITTSBURGH -- Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez gained a potentially important out when he successfully challenged Angel Hernandez's call on a pickoff move during the first inning of Wednesday's game against the Pirates at PNC Park.

But he also lost another challenge as he attempted to take advantage of the collision rule aimed to protect catchers.

Gonzalez's unsuccessful challenge came after Freddie Freeman proved unsuccessful in his attempt to be the second runner to score on Chris Johnson's sixth-inning single. Chris Stewart clearly applied the tag before Freeman reached the plate. But Gonzalez challenged that Stewart illegally blocked the plate.

A review that lasted just 34 seconds upheld the original ruling and denied Gonzalez's attempt to add another run through a technicality of this collision rule.

Earlier in the game after Hernandez ruled that Josh Harrison got back to second base on Alex Wood's pickoff attempt, Gonzalez requested the play to be reviewed. During a review that lasted one minute and 39 seconds, the umpires determined that Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons applied the tag before Harrison's outstretched right arm touched the bag.

The overturned call provided the Braves their 13th pickoff of the season and erased the potential damage of Harrison's leadoff double.

Gonzalez has been successful with 17 of 25 challenges this year.

Mark Bowman is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.